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Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the prominent Emirati businessman, has publicly criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his latest comments on Gaza.
Ben-Gvir recently advocated killing dozens of people in Gaza every night, including people he said did not pose an immediate threat.
The remarks have triggered renewed international criticism of Israel’s far-right leadership.
Habtoor, a leading Dubai businessman and chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, challenged the rhetoric in a pointed public response.
His intervention is notable because the UAE has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since the 2020 Abraham Accords.
The comments come at a particularly sensitive time for UAE-Israel relations.
The Gaza conflict remains a major source of tension across the Middle East.
Ben-Gvir has also supported the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza and the emigration of Palestinians from the territory.
His position contrasts sharply with ongoing international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.
U.S.-backed negotiations have recently focused on Hamas disarmament alongside an Israeli military withdrawal.
However, Israel and Hamas remain divided over which steps should come first.
Habtoor’s criticism adds an influential Emirati business voice to the growing debate over Israel’s Gaza policy.
It also highlights the difficult balance between diplomatic normalization and public opposition to the war.
The UAE has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and greater protection for civilians.
Ben-Gvir’s latest statements have further intensified scrutiny of Israel’s far-right coalition members.
For Habtoor, the issue also raises questions about the broader direction of Israeli policy.
His remarks demonstrate how Gaza continues to test Israel’s relationships across the Arab world.
The controversy comes as regional and international actors push for a political solution.
Whether such criticism influences policy remains uncertain.
But the public clash underscores the widening concern over increasingly aggressive rhetoric surrounding Gaza.